Birkbeck bursaries

Birkbeck is able to offer a limited number of bursaries, supported by generous donations from alumni and organisations supportive of Birkbeck's mission, which are available for current undergraduate and postgraduate students. Information on eligibility criteria and how to apply is listed under each bursary below.

Aaron Sims Scholarships: for postgraduate language students

Instituted under the will of Dr Aaron Sims, a former student of the College, this is a bursary of £3500.

Priority is given to applicants for the part-time MA Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies (Modern Languages), although the scholarship is also available to full-time applicants and part-time students entering their second year of study.

The bursary is paid to part-time students in two instalments of £1750 in January of each academic year. Full-time students and part-time students who receive the award for their second year of study only, will receive one payment of £3500 in January.

All payments are subject to confirmation of satisfactory attendance and progress.

Eligibility: you should:

be enrolled on the MA/MRes Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies (Modern Languages)

be studying either two years part-time or one year full-time

have made sufficient financial provision to meet the remaining costs associated with fees and other course costs

demonstrate academic excellence (at least a 2:1 or equivalent in an undergraduate degree).

Instituted as a memorial gift in 1907 by Miss Marion Hall, this scholarship is open to part-time undergraduate students studying for a degree in the School of Arts. The purpose of the award is to relieve financial hardship in respect of part-time tuition fees. The value of the award will be according to the circumstances of the successful applicant but not normally more than £1000.

Eligibility criteria: Eligible applicants will:

be enrolled on a part-time undergraduate degree in the School of Arts

normally be in their third or fourth year of study (priority will be given to students entering their fourth year)

priority will also be given to students with a record of academic excellence in their studies

Instituted under the will of Dr Caroline Roberts, a former lecturer in politics at Birkbeck, this bursary is for mature female students (30 years or over) who are currently enrolled on a taught Master's or MPhil/PhD programme in the Department of Politics. A one-off bursary of up to £4000 is available, payable towards tuition fees only.

Eligibility: you must be:

a 'Home' student

currently enrolled on a taught master's or MPhil/PhD programme in the Department of Politics

Instituted under the will of Mrs Greta Dexter in 1996, a former student of the College, the purpose of this award is to relieve financial hardship in respect of one or more of the following:

part-time fees at Birkbeck

purchase of approved books

cost of travel associated with the student’s studies.

The value of the award will be according to the circumstances of the successful applicant but not normally more than £1000.

Eligibility criteria: You must be:

21 years of age or older

enrolling on an eligible course in the School of Arts (a first degree in French Studies or a first degree in which French is one of two principal components; a Master’s degree in which French is the only subject of study or is one of two principal components; an MPhil or PhD degree for which the research project is concerned with the study of French literature, language or culture)

in part-time or full-time employment, or working in the home in a role that attracts financial support from the government (eg full-time carer)

experiencing financial hardship (normally defined as having an income of less than £25,000 per year)

Deadline: The final deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon Monday 3 September 2018.

Olga Turner Scholarship: for part-time postgraduate students in Spanish

Instituted under the will of Olga Turner, a former student of the College, this scholarship is intended to provide financial support for part-time postgraduate students of Spanish in the School of Arts. The scholarship is a one-off bursary of £1500. Please note that preference will be given to female students and the number of studentships available is strictly limited.

Eligibility criteria: you must:

be a current student

be studying part-time on an MPhil or PhD in Spanish Culture/Language

need financial assistance for a limited, critical period in your studies (normally defined as the writing up period)

not be in receipt of another donor or legacy bursary

have made sufficient financial provision to meet the remaining costs associated with fees and other course costs